NDIS participants urged to give back in nation-first trial

Key points:

• A recently launched trial in South Australia and Tasmania is expected to improve access to cheaper assistive technology for people with disability 
• Minister Shorten highlighted that this recycled equipment program, which commences in January 2025, could ‘unlock new opportunities for social, economic and community engagement’ for people with disability
• If the two-state trial is successful, a nationwide launch of the program could benefit more than one in five Aussies with disability

People with disability in South Australia and Tasmania can soon access refurbished equipment in a recently launched recycling program, helping NDIS participants use their funds for other supports.

A two-year trial to recycle and refurbish assistive technology to help other Australians with disability will begin in January 2025 with funding from the Australian Department of Social Services. 

In the Assistive Technology Rental and Refurbishment Pilot Program, participants will be able to access an online platform called AccessTech to find equipment suitable for their needs.

In the first nine months of 2024, NDIS data indicates that NDIS participants received $589 million dollars in funding for assistive technology capital items in addition to related repair and maintenance costs. 

Additionally, NDIS participants used $693 million dollars in funding for low-cost assistive technology and consumables such as continence supports.

Assistive technology is used to improve a person’s quality of life and increase their independence. While the term ‘technology’ suggests that only technology and devices fit in this category, other examples of assistive technology include mobility equipment and sensory aids, e.g. hearing aids.

Some examples of the types of assistive technology in the NDIS available for rent or short-term loans include:

• bathroom equipment such as shower chairs and bathroom rails;
• wheelchairs — manual or power chairs;
• height adjustable beds; and
• electronic communication assistive technology.

Renting mobility items can also be beneficial for people to test different assistive technologies before committing to the item permanently. Additionally, this option may also be more cost-effective for children with disability whose needs can change quickly. 

The NDIS has categorised assistive technology purchases into three groups:

• Low cost in core budget — less than $1,500 dollars per item;
• Mid cost in capital budget — between $1,500 dollars and $15,000 dollars; and
• High cost in capital budget — more than $15,000 dollars per item.

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten emphasised the positive impact of minimising waste, financially and physically, and improving the lives of people with disability in Australia.

“This pilot could help re-engineer the assistive technology ecosystem. We want to stop the waste and [the] flow-on effect helps not only get the right disability supports to those who need it but saves money in the process,” he said.

“The NDIS Review told us that we must do more to support participants, but it also highlighted the need to expand upon the supports available for those who are not eligible to access the scheme.”

Approximately 5.5 million Australians live with disability, indicating the positive impact that an assistive technology recycling system could have on more than one in five Australians. 

After announcing the launch of the South Australian and Tasmanian trials, Minister Shorten highlighted that improving access to assistive technology that doesn’t break the bank is crucial to helping all people with disability.

“Assistive technology unlocks new opportunities for social, economic and community engagement, and equips many people with disability with the resources they need to thrive,” he said.

“Boosting access to affordable assistive technology is a crucial step in creating an Australia where individualised needs can be met by our support systems and no person with disability gets left behind.”

In late 2022, when NDIS funding and costs were projected to blow out, Minister Shorten highlighted that making changes to the NDIS was a crucial step to ensure positive long-term outcomes for Australians with disability.

“I think that we can identify waste. I think we can identify the crooks. I think we can improve the processes and cut out the bureaucracy, but it won’t be at the expense of people with disability and their dreams and hopes,” he said.

An NDIS Review Panel was announced in October 2022 to combat the cost concerns and bring people with disability to the centre of the NDIS again.

This NDIS review was a key part of the reforms in the sector from Minister Shorten, which has also included the appointment of Kurt Fearnley as the Chair of the National Disability Insurance Agency and Rebecca Falkingham as the NDIA Chief Executive Officer.

Understanding how to access assistive technology through the NDIS may seem confusing, but the Disability Support Guide contains numerous guides to make it easier. Learning how to access assistive technology funding under the NDIS and how to find equipment and technology services near you can help ensure you get the support you need.

South Australian Minister for Human Services Nat Cook also praised the launch of the trial to recycle and refurbish equipment in the two states.

“This is an amazing example of how we can support people with disability, reduce costs and help our environment all at the same time — that’s a trifecta we should all be proud of,” she said.

If you live with disability in South Australia or Tasmania, are 65 years or younger, or are an NDIS participant aged 65 years or over, you could be eligible to participate in the pilot program. Register your interest by completing the AbilityFirst Australia form.

If you have unused assistive technology, you can donate it to the trial where the items will be refurbished and redistributed to help other people with disability. The online donation registration portal will soon be opened on the AbilityFirst Australia website.

What type of assistive technology would make your life easier?

Let the team at Talking Disability know on social media. 

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